August: Five Things I Loved About It

August was a real mix bag! The schools were shut for the summer break and I was still working. Albeit three days a week but even that feels long when you’ve got a child at home.

The first half and a bit of August felt like a write off, didn’t do anything exciting with Miss A. I had a horrid allergic reaction to a medication I was taking to treat an infection. It really messed up with my mental health, as waking up to painful swollen limbs and random bruises was never a pretty sight. Thankfully, we realised on time it was the medication so I stopped them and now I’m doing better. Not fully there yet but not as bad as before.

Literally nearly everything listed below was in the last ten days of the holidays. It’s like I had a adrenaline rush to make sure August didn’t end on a ordinary note. But also that dreaded feeling of mum guilt which never seems to leave you alone!

Nevertheless, we managed to make wonderful memories. So much so, I’d call August a blessing as I really ended up coming out of my shell. I did things and activities that due to the pandemic I was scared to do. Still as cautious as ever but when you’re a parent sometimes you just have to do things that you might not want to yourself.

Without further ado, what made August so special?

READING CHALLENGE

Miss A is taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. This brought about so many nostalgic feelings because as a child I use to take part in this every summer. All you have to do is sign up and read 6 books. Once you’ve finished your book, go to the library and tell the staff about the story and answer their questions.

This has not only helped Miss A get excited to read but also has assisted in her gaining confidence too. Instead of six she’s managed to read nine books. We can’t wait to go to the library next week and receive her medal!

STAYCATION

I did it! I finally went on holiday after two and a half years. This was very much needed, I was nervous as hell but it was very much needed. We paid a visit to Oxford and the Cotswolds. This trip honestly deserves a post of its own which I will be posting soon. 

The main purpose of this trip was a surprise for my cousin’s 21st. I chose Oxford due to its Harry Potter links and with the Cotswolds right next door, who could resist an extra day!

CINEMA

Guess who had their first ever cinema trip? Miss A! I remember the time when she use to be much younger, I use to think about taking her. But wouldn’t because I’d be too nervous. Then the pandemic hit so it was out of the option. However, this bank holiday we decided to venture out and go watch Minions. 

We had a fantastic time and she really enjoyed herself. It really didn’t feel like she was there for the first time. She was fascinated by the ‘big tv’ and loudspeakers. I’ve made a pact with myself to do cinema trips with her more often now.

EARS PIERCING

Ever since Miss A started school she had been asking to get her ears pierced. In our culture, ears are pierced quite young. For example, I already had my ears pierced by the time I was one years old. However, with Miss A I decided not too. Mainly because it’d remind me of Miss A’s time in SCBU. A reminder of how much she was poked and prodded with needles and the cannula.

So I didn’t see it as a necessity. I decided that I will wait until she asks for them herself. I thought that would be when she’s at least ten years old. But seeing her friends, me and her Nanny with earrings she was feeling left out and kept pestering me.

I finally gave in. We explained to her the procedure that the needle will be making a hole in her ears. It went so smoothly that it still surprises. We only got a little ‘ouch’ and that was that. And now she’s very proud of them and cautious not to touch them either.

EATING OUT

Since our staycation, I became a little more confident in eating out again. Miss A has also become excited and eager to be going to a ‘restaurant’. To the extent of always expecting to be eating out whenever we go on a day trip. Which isn’t always helpful, right?!

But yes it’s been lovely being able to explore more foods and cuisines again in person. Miss A has firmly made up her mind her favourite is Turkish. If I need to get her to eat something I just tell her it’s Turkish now and it works. Not sure how long that trick will last but I will use it for as long as I can!

MUMMY DAUGHTER DATE

Wait, isn’t this post just about the five positive things that happened in the month? Well yes that is true. However, I really wanted to include this too.  

I love just doing things that only involve Miss A and me. It may sound selfish but I find it’s very much needed. We’re surrounded by lots of caring and supportive loved ones yet sometimes it’s necessary to be able to just do things with just the two of us. 

On the last day of the summer holidays, I took a day off work. We didn’t do anything overly exciting, we spent it painting, making pasta jewellery, going to the park and ending it with a little tea break at a local cafe. 

It was a lovely way to round off the holidays and say cheers to a new era beginning. 

What were your highlights of the month?